Commissioner: Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Honors 72 graduates; one graduate receives extra surprise

FORSYTH, Ga. – On October 14, Georgia State Prison held its first Annual Programs Graduation. A total of 72 offenders graduated within the past year from the following programs: Thinking for A Change (18), Matrix Early Recovery Skills (four), Matrix Relapse Prevention (nine), Moral Reconation Therapy (17), Family Violence (17) and Problem Solving Skills In Action (15). One graduate, Ivan Tory, received a special surprise during the ceremony. He was presented with a parole date of November 1 after completing the Performance Incentive Credits program, which allows offenders to earn a reduction in their tentative parole month through program completions. 

“Georgia State Prison’s annual programs graduation is a great way to recognize the progress the offenders have made throughout the year,” said Commissioner Homer Bryson. “We are proud of Ivan for successfully completing his required programming and wish him the very best as he reenters society as a law abiding citizen.”

The programs that the offenders participated in were Counseling, Cognitive-Behavioral or Substance Abuse related. The mission of the Cognitive-Behavioral programming (Thinking for A Chance, Moral Reconation Therapy, and Problem Solving) is to reduce recidivism and increase pro-social behavior by changing an offender’s thoughts, attitudes and beliefs through research-based cognitive programming. The mission of the Substance Abuse programming (Motivation for a Change, and the Matrix programs) is to provide effective evidence-based programming to appropriately referred offenders and to provide continuous treatment based on needs. The mission of the Counseling programs (Family Violence, and Motivation for a Change) is to help reduce recidivism by changing criminal thinking and reducing criminal behavior, while providing legally mandated social learning programs. 

The graduates received a Certificate of Completion for each program they participated in. Several graduates took part in multiple programs and completed their re-entry plan. 

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.